This Is How Many Strokes of Mascara It Takes to Get Perfect Lashes

Sometimes it can do you good to take a step back from your rushed everyday makeup routine and consider whether or not you're really doing each step correctly. (Unfortunate truth: Just because you've done something a thousand times doesn't make it right.) Take mascara, for example: Have you ever counted how many swipes it normally takes you to coat your lashes? According to makeup artist Amy Nadine of the Beauty Department, you probably should.

Nadine says that most people rely on just a few swipes of mascara—and that's not nearly enough. According to her, it takes exactly 30 strokes (per eye!) in order to really achieve volumizing and lengthening benefits. And the type of strokes you're doing matters, too. "I'm not talking about long precise strokes. No one-Mississippi, two-Mississippi…more like one, two, three—quick brisk strokes," writes Nadine.

In the image below, Nadine demonstrates the difference between a standard mascara application and a 30-stroke application. It's pretty major. (Side note: If you're wondering what that pretty copper eye shadow in the photo is, we happen to know that it's from Nadine's new palette for Costco, the Amy Nadine Renewing Nude Eyeshadow Palette.)